Huthwaite WW One Memorial
1914 - 1918 Remembrance
Albert Saunders
Private 36438 - Leicestershire Regiment
11th Battalion
Enlisted: Sutton April 1916
Killed in action Flanders 17th April 1917 : Aged 23
MAROC BRITISH CEMETERY, GRENAY I. G. 30.
Huthwaite Online WW1 Remembrance
Private 36438 Albert Saunders is commemorated upon the Sutton-in-Ashfield memorial. Recognising place of birth in Hucknall-under-Huthwaite is sufficient to feature A, Saunders sharing honoured remembrance upon the Huthwaite Online memorial.
Parents originating from Berkshire suggests c1876 marriage eventually relocates them into Hucknall-under-Huthwaite just before 1891 census lists family on Pit Road located lower end Blackwell Road. Father Josiah Saunders 41, and mother Sarah 35, head 4 children, although a 2 month old son firstly named Albert sadly realises infant mortality claimed five of their eight children.
Private Albert Saunders must claim 1893 birth, later registered Q3 at Mansfield to become recognised aged 7 from 1901 census. That further names elder sister Eliza 14, plus brothers Frederick 21, and Charles 19 following father down the coal pits. Next address at 14 Morley Street firmly places them inside Sutton, to identify Albert having become a 17 year old Painters Apprentice.
Mr Albert Saunders was engaged as a painter and decorator before becoming an agent for Pearl Assurance. Marriage with Miss Annie Blyth at St. Thomas Church, Kirkby on 11th April 1914, finds a husband and father with one daughter named Doris living at 62 Priestsic Road, Sutton.
Sutton 1916 enlistment photographs uniformed Private 42587 Albert Saunders wearing the Sherwood Foresters cap badge, to be trained at Cannock Chase, Staffs. before sent to France that December, where transferal into the Leicestershire Regiment is acknowledged following notification of his death from being killed in action aged 23.
KILLED BY SHELL FIRE
PRIVATE A. SAUNDERS, SUTTON
Formerly engaged as an assurance agent, Private Albert Saunders, of 62, Priestsic road, Sutton, joined the colours in April, 1916. In December he was sent to France, where he met his death on April 17th. He was 23 years of age, and leaves a wife and one child. From the officer of the deceased Mrs. Saunders has received the following letter:-
"It is with deep regret that I have to inform you of the death of your husband, who was killed in action late last night, the 17th April. He was working close to the first line when a shell bursting quite closely killed him instantly. Your husband proved himself an excellent soldier, and one of the many who went to make the 'New Armies' of which we are all so proud. He made many comrades in his Company, and they share my sorrow in his loss which his death has brought. His personal effects have been forwarded and will reach you in due course. Regulations forbid my saying where he is buried, but a cross has been erected, and the Graves Registration Unit will forward particulars in the near future. Assuring you of my sincere sympathy.- Richard B. Godfrey, 2nd. Lieutenant."
Saunders.- In Loving Memory of Private Albert Saunders, who was killed in Action on April 17th, 1917. All through life, there is a cross where sons of God yield up their breath; there is no gain, except by loss, there is no life, except by death. "He that findeth his life shall lose it, and he that loseth his life for My sake shall find it."- From Father and Mother, Brother and Sister.
15 Feb 09 by Gary Elliott Updated 07 Jul 12